The preservation potential of stone tool residues from less favourable contexts: case study from the late Mesolithic site of Tomaszów ii, Poland.

The study explores the preservation potential of residues on flint tools from the late Mesolithic site of Tomaszów II in Poland. The analysis focuses on 61 lithic artefacts excavated in the 1970s and subjected to intensive handling, storage, and cleaning, which posed challenges for residue detection. Using advanced microscopic and spectroscopic techniques, the study identifies residue types linked to tool use, hafting, and environmental deposition. Despite the challenging preservation conditions, some plant, fungal, and mineral residues were preserved, providing insights into the technological practices of Mesolithic communities. However, the absence of animal residues indicates a preservation bias influenced by acidic conditions and microbial activity. This research underscores the value of archival lithic collections and highlights the potential and limitations of residue analysis for reconstructing past behaviors, especially in unfavourable preservation environments. The findings advocate for further studies combining residue and use-wear analyses to refine methodologies and improve the reliability of results.